Washington (CNN) - This week, Coca-Cola and Kraft announced they are pulling their corporate memberships from a conservative group that was behind the spread of "stand your ground" laws like the one highlighted in Florida by the Trayvon Martin case.

The American Legislative Executive Council, also known as ALEC, is getting attention lately for its behind the scenes work pushing conservative legislation in the states.

On Fridays, we like to take the temperature of the masters of the political class to see how it thinks an issue will play. Today, we decided to ask CNN Political Contributor Maria Cardona and GOP strategist Curt Anderson if it is possible to be successful in politics if you punch out each day at 5:30 p.m. And what if lawmakers and political professionals spent less time at the office and more time with friends and family – would Washington function better?

Washington (CNN) - As likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney aims his firepower at President Barack Obama, he still has to protect his flank from rival Rick Santorum in a primary battle that Romney has all but won.

The former Massachusetts governor painted that picture while campaigning Thursday in Pennsylvania ahead of the state's April 24 primary.

(CNN) - Republican Rep. Allen West of Florida would consider joining the ticket with the Republican nominee this fall if asked, the congressman said Friday.

"(My family) has always stepped up to the plate to serve our country, and if it's the right thing, then I will do so. But I really doubt that would ever happen," West said on CNN's "Newsroom."FULL POST

(CNN) - President Barack Obama's campaign wasted no time Thursday jumping on a report about Mitt Romney limiting certain disclosures of his financial investments. And Mitt Romney's campaign was equally quick to fire back.

Using the president's Twitter account, as well as accounts from top campaign staff, Obama's re-election team pushed a story by the Washington Post, even starting the Twitter hashtag: #WhatsRomneyHiding.FULL POST

(CNN) - Following up on the sluggish job numbers released Friday, the White House maintained the economy is still undergoing growth.

"There is more work to be done, but today's employment report provides further evidence that the economy is continuing to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression," said Alan Krueger, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, in a statement.FULL POST